Manila, May 29 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday rebuked and rejected anew China's claims over the Spratlys, including the Sandy Cay or Pag-asa Cay 2 in the nearby Pag-asa Island.

The statement comes after the Chinese Embassy in Manila on May 26 justified the recent water cannoning of two Filipino civilian vessels near the Sandy Cay, saying the feature "has always been China's territory."

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza urged China to respect the country's sovereignty and jurisdiction, saying Pag-asa Island and the surrounding cays are part of the Philippines.

"The fundamental fact is that Pag-asa Island and the Pag-asa Cays form part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), which is an integral part of t...